New Bedford students will join students from around the state in celebration of “Walk and Bike to School Day” on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, as part of the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program, in partnership with New Bedford Mass in Motion/CORD and the City of New Bedford.  Parents, teachers, school administrators and community leaders, at participating schools within the New Bedford school district will walk to/from school on Wednesday, May 2^nd.

At the Betsey B. Winslow Elementary School, Mayor Jon Mitchell and his daughters will join Principal Paula Bailey, Dr. Pauline, Hamel, project coordinator of New Bedford Mass in Motion/CORD, Mr. Jim Rattray, V.P. of Marketing for Southcoast Health Systems and school administrators for an organized group walk with other students and families.  The walk will begin at St. Luke’s Hospital at 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

Walk to School events work to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, decreasing traffic congestion, concern for the environment and building connections between families, schools, public safety and the broader community.

There are over 300 elementary and middle schools in 111 communities across the state working with Safe Routes to School, organizing activities and events to encourage students to walk and bicycle to school. School principals will determine the time and location for their respective school’s participation in the event.  Some will walk before and/or after school, or during lunchtime.

“Safe Routes to School is a positive and collaborative effort that builds a healthier community by bringing together our schools, parents and students with city officials, public safety, health providers, and other partners,” said Dr. Pauline Hamel, project coordinator of New Bedford Mass in Motion/CORD.  “We are very grateful to Mayor Mitchell and school officials, teachers and City departments their support of this partnership with Mass DOT/Mass RIDES, and we hope to see all our schools participating  in the ‘Walk and Bike to School Day’ on May 2^nd .  However, walking activities must go far beyond single events in our schools and should continue throughout the year.  This year, we will implement the Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD) project to increase physical activity throughout our communities.”

New Bedford, a Let’s Move City, in partnership with U.S. Health and Human Services joined 500 leaders across America to adopt First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign to make significant changes in community health.  In 2010, New Bedford was recognized by MA Department of Transportation/Mass RIDES at their annual conference for being the MA city to have the largest number of schools enrolled as official partners of Safe Routes to School.  A Rookie of the Year award was also granted to the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School during the conference for its efforts with the 2010 International Walk to School Day.  For additional local information, please contact Dr. Pauline Hamel, New Bedford Mass in Motion/CORD Project Coordinator at (508) 380-7775.

In the movie Dodgeball there is a saying, “If you can dodge a tool, you can dodge a ball.” That’s painfully true, but I’d prefer to say, “Regardless whether you can dodge a ball or not, you can raise money for charity.”

With a mission to raise a lot of money for Southcoast, Massachusetts charities, New Bedford Guide is organizing its 1st Annual Charity Dodgeball Tournament. We’re looking for volunteers to help organize and run the event. We’d like every penny to go to charity! We expect the tournament to be scheduled for some time in September or October.

The Concept

The tournament will feature 6-member teams in a bracket style, single elimination tournament. Each team represents a charity of their choice and raises money for that charity. Additionally, each team  pays a $100 entry fee that is put in a pool. The pool-money will be dispersed in two ways; 25% goes to the top fund raising team and 75% goes to the winning dogeball team’s charity. For example, if 100 teams enter, the pool money will be $10,000. $2,500 would go to the top fundraising team’s charity and $7,500 would go to the dodgeball tournament’s winning team’s charity. This will ensure every charity gets money (raised by the team) and the top fund raiser and winning dodgeball tournament team shares the pool money.  In my example, 100 charities would get funds donated to them.

Team Formation

Each team should come up with a fun name. Businesses and organizations should include their business name. Teams at a minimum should have team shirts made. Costumes and fun shirts are highly recommended. You don’t have to be a business or organization to form a team. We want as many teams to participate as possible. With 6 team members the cost of entry is less than $17 per person.

Our Goals:

• 100 teams providing a prize pool of $10,000 and ensuring 100 charities receive funds.
• 100 teams raise at least $500 for their charity of choice bringing in $50,000 for 100 different charities.
• 100% of all money raised goes to charity through volunteers and businesses donating their time, products and services.
• Athletic T-shirt maker(s) providing at-cost shirts for the teams. Shirts will be available for sale at the tournament with proceeds going to charity.
• Every media group in the area becomes an official partner to spread the word and recruit teams.

In a little city called New Bedford, in the State of Massachusetts strange things are happening. What was once a dilapidated city and looked at as literally the “armpit” of Massachusetts, there is now a spark.  It first started burning several years ago with a little bar and grille that falls under the initials of CW. Since that day, almost 10 years ago, this spark started growing with help from other new establishments RAAH, C, C, C, BOP, P37, GB, CCH, WG, SL, a Hotel, PFT, P, NP, HIB, an awesome historic theatre, the becoming of a National Park, CW, a college campus, nationally known Whaling Museum, UG, CA, FV, AW, B908, IS… just to name a few.

But this story isn’t about any of those places.  It’s about a new place that will soon be opening its doors for the first time, after having settled on the embers of a legendary establishment formally known as Elaine’s T-Shirts “The Black Whale”…. And from the ashes rises the 767 Exchange.

And what is the 767 Exchange? Taken directly from its Facebook page:

The 767 Exchange is a clothing store where items can be bought, sold and traded with our customers. Bring in your old favorites for trade or cash. Our inventory includes designer labels, vintage, jeans and current basics. You’ll also find brand new merchandise and accessories. We are all about supporting our local artists and musicians. We will be displaying work from local artists and promoting local events.

767 Exchange offers clothing and accessories for both men and women and is more contemporary than your regular thrift store. Our prices range widely depending on the label, style, condition and other factors. Many items average around $20.

Yes, it’s amazing… after growing up and graduating from the Saver’s revolution days of high school, and here it is, a designer thrift store. Savers for adults… ooo I think I just wee’d in my pants a little!

Located on Purchase Street, right between FV and Family Dollar and across the street from the PFT, there is now a place offering clothes for MEN & ladies (sorry ladies but there are plenty of women stores downtown, I’m focusing on this one for the guys).  Without a shred of clothing retail etched on their resumes, 767 is owned and operated by Andy “the dirty plumber” Peronne and Charli “too sexy” Aubin. Despite their lack of experience in retail, Andy the insists that, “hey it gives us more of a fresh feel.” The 767 Exchange was put together on a wing and a prayer (and a sprinkle of O’Toole-foolery). Although it will take more than that to make it, with the desire and passion that these two have, I think they’ll make it.

“Rather than being a chain retail store we can do what we want, set the store up however we want, and have a close connection with our customers,” stated Charli. I already know one customer they’ll have coming back. Andy and Charli, like many others, felt that “you shouldn’t have to go to Boston or Providence to check out cool alternative scene music/artist/clothing shops…hell, we are going to have a 24/7 open mic policy.  If you’re a local musician, and want to play, come by the shop any time we are open and set up.”

A touch of punk rock, with an alternative flair this little store plans to hold more than just clothing.  In fact retail will only be about ½ of what makes up 767 (if you haven’t gotten that impression yet).  As soon as you walk in you see a 1958 BSA in immaculate condition, a small stage for live bands in the corner, and local artists work hanging on the wall, this little space has got it all (sorry for rhyming). They are very adamant that this is not a consignment store. Customers buy, sell, and trade. If you want to get rid of something, and they want to buy it, they will,  but nothing is going to just sit on the rack to be sold.  All items that that people are willing to just leave (not worth any trade value) get donated to the local homeless shelters.

Just when you think this little store can’t fit any more onto its plate, once a month (most likely on AHA Nights) the 767 Exchange plans to hold a major music or art event to help support local artist and bring the local community together.

The grand opening of the 767 Exchange will be on May 10^th, 2012, the next AHA! Night. Hours will be Monday – Thursday from 11am-6pm; Friday and Saturday from 11am – 10pm, and are contemplating whether or not to be open on Sundays.

Make sure the next time you are downtown New Bedford, you take a moment to poke your head in the 767 Exchange. Who knows, you may end up trading the clothes on your back and walking out with a brand new outfit.

OOOO that spark is getting hot!

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The Dartmouth high school drama club proudly presents it’s annual spring musical production of Denis Lawrence Jr.’s Murder at Luigi’s. “Murder At Luigi’s” is a fun filled night of music, laughter within a murder mystery show where the audience participates throughout the show. Well over 30 Dartmouth High School students are participating in this laugh out loud production.

Presented at: Dartmouth Middle School (366 Slocum Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747)
Date: Friday, May 4th and Saturday, May 5th
Time: 7:30pm
Price per ticket: $10 / $8 for students (from any/all schools). Tickets sold at door or by calling: (508)961-2700 x402.

For additional information as it relates to this press release please call Jackie Beauregard (508)728-3735.

Join us May 4^th at 9AM-4:30PM at the New Bedford Whaling Museum (18 Johnny Cake Hill) located in downtown New Bedford, MA for a discussion of the workforce development needs of the emerging ocean renewable energy industry.  The keynote speaker will be Representative William R. Keating  U.S. House of Representatives. In Europe they are projecting hundreds of thousands of jobs will be created to support offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, and in just three years the German offshore wind deployment sites at Bremen and Cuxhaven have created over 2400 direct manufacturing jobs.

New industries create new jobs for the young, but can also allow workers displaced from older industries find new careers.  This summit will allow you to understand the challenges and the work being done to address both the needs of industry and the worker.  Come and express your ideas to the experts and policy makers who will attend.

Ocean Energy Workforce Development Summit Schedule of Events

• 10:30AM-12:00PM: What is the Experience in Europe? – Trainers involved in supporting the rapid expansion of these industries will discuss their lessons learned.
• 12:00-1:00PM: Lunch Provided
• 1:00-2:30PM: What are the needs of industry? CEO’s involved in deployment and supply chain will talk about their projected needs.
• 2:30-3:00PM: Networking and Coffee Break
• 3:00-4:30PM: What are Our Plans? – A panel of workforce developers and trainers will outline their plans to meet this emerging need.

Register at: https://webapps.umassd.edu/events/mrec/

• Early Bird (Before May 1, 2012) $35.00
• Regular     (After May, 1, 2012)   $45.00

The New Bedford Cable Network announced a new partnership with New Bedford Public Schools to air “Homework Helpers” a live show on the Education Channel 17 that will allow students to call-in for help with their homework. Current and retired New Bedford Public Schools teachers will host the half hour call-in show and will provide helpful instruction and advice to students tackling difficult homework questions.

Beginning on Monday, April 30th, students can call into the show four days a week from 5-5:30 p.m. at (508) 979-1600 with their questions. Students may also e-mail questions to homeworkhelpers@newbedfordschools.org or leave a voice message either before or after the show at (508) 979-1760.

Mayor Jon Mitchell said the program is a great way for students who may be struggling with a particular subject to receive specialized guidance with their homework after regular school hours. “The teachers involved in this innovative program are really passionate about education and are looking forward to taking calls from students and helping them with any subject they may be struggling with,” said Mayor Mitchell. The Mayor encouraged all New Bedford parents to consider the Homework Helper show a new tool they can take advantage of to help their child overcome difficulties with homework problems.

“This cable TV program is a creative means to allow New Bedford Public Schools teachers to reach into our students’ homes to help them with their homework on a daily basis,” said Dr. Mary Louise Francis, Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools.

From the Seoul opened in Dartmouth at the beginning of this month after relocating from a smaller New Bedford location and holy cow, is it good. As a self-proclaimed Asian-food snob (I grew up eating my mom’s home-cooked Chinese food), I will say that it may be the best, most authentic Asian food in the area.

From the Seoul offers Korean food in an informal setting at very reasonable prices. Most dishes are accompanied with kimchi, a spicy dish of pickled napa cabbage that is served cold, but will nevertheless set your tongue on fire. You also get an assortment of other small side dishes of pickled vegetables that include cucumber, bean sprouts, and green onions.

The bulgogi ($9.95) is a dish with universal appeal – thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet, almost tangy soy sauce served with rice, similar to teriyaki. The beef comes on a sizzling plate that ensures your bulgogi experience is piping hot. If you’re not too lazy to pick out bones from your meat, the galbi ($10.95) is a similarly marinated dish of tasty, grilled beef short ribs, just slightly charred enough to have that satisfying barbecue taste to it. Both dishes come lightly dusted with sesame seeds, with onions, green peppers, and mushrooms thrown in for good measure.

Bibimbap is a dish with a name that makes you feel ridiculous saying it, but it is well worth any mortification it may cause. For an amazing $6.95, you get a giant bowl of rice topped with bean sprouts, sliced shitake mushrooms, spinach, sliced squash, topped with a sunny-side-up egg (and they don’t skimp on any of the above). Stir it all up with a dollop of the spicy-sweet sauce it comes with and dig in. The whole thing comes in the traditional hot stone bowl that, if you’re lucky, slightly toasts the rice at the bottom so that you get an occasional crunch as you tuck into the monster. When you’re done, wash it down with the clear, brothy miso soup that accompanies the dish.

I mentioned that the kimchi will set ablaze your mouth, and it’s not the only thing at From the Seoul that will do this. The sundubu jjigae is a masochistic seafood and tofu stew that will make your eyes water and leave you begging for more because it HURTS SO GOOD.  Yet the spiciness does not overpower the rich flavor of the broth. The stew itself could use a little more seafood (mine came with 2 shrimp, some squid, and a couple of things that got lost in the mix), but is overall very tasty. The kitchen will also accommodate requests to make any dish less spicy (the manager actually came out to ask me how I liked it), since everything is made fresh when you order it, but you’ll be missing out on the fiery kick that Korean food is famous for.

If you’ve got picky kids or if you’re a really huge food wimp, you will be glad to know that there is a steak sandwich and a chicken sandwich (each $4.95) on the menu that you can even have with fries.  Each is done with a slight Korean twist, but is still tame enough for those whiny about eating their vegetables.

From the Seoul is exactly the kick in the butt that Asian cuisine in New Bedford area needed. The food is fresh, full of flavor, and beats the snot out of that soggy old chow mein you’ve been settling for.

From the Seoul is located at:

Address: 127 Faunce Corner Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02747 (where Piezoni’s used to be)
Phone: (774) 328-9344

Hours:

Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Friday and Saturday 11:00 am – 1:00 am

Have a review of From the Seoul Korean Restaurant in Dartmouth? Post a comment!

Just like a coffee shop or restaurant, New Bedford Guide is a small business. If you’d like to support/sponsor New Bedford Guide, and promote your product, service or event to tens of thousands of local residents, we offer 20 banner spots in four locations on NewBedfordGuide.com. These ads are promoted on the main page and/or are visible on every article published on New Bedford Guide. This is a great way to build your brand and drive traffic to your website or Facebook page. All website advertisers also get promoted on our popular Facebook page. We also operate Fairhaven Guide, Dartmouth Guide, Providence Guide and other city guides. Current customers include the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Bridgewater Credit Union, The Waterfront Grille, The New Bedford Antique Center and the Hampton Inn. Here are two example ad spots:

New Bedford Guide (http://www.newbedfordguide.com) reaches 20,000 – 30,000 visitors each months. Our Facebook Page reaches over 90,000 southcoast, Massachusetts residents. This maps shows our reach using Google Analytics:

As of April 24th, 2012 our demographics were 58% female, and strong in all demographics over 18-years old. While our reach is solid in New Bedford, we also have a strong following in surrounding towns and cities like Fairhaven, Dartmouth, Fall River, Boston and cities in Rhode Island. This ensures your business is promoted both locally and regionally.

We offer rates as low as $90 a month. Save up by purchasing multiple months of advertising. Every penny goes to paying our writers, paying our server cost and growing the site!

Those looking to build there brand and promote events should also consider our event calendar advertising program. Contact us at info@newbedfordguide.com to set up an appointment before you competition does!

In preparation for regular spring maintenance and the new planting season, the City of New Bedford Cemetery Division respectfully reminds the public to remove flowers and decorations from the graves in cemeteries operated by the City, prior to Monday, May 1, 2012.  Any decorations that have not been removed prior to the start of the spring maintenance will be removed and stored by the Cemetery Division for a period of 30 days.  Those items can later be retrieved by contacting the Cemetery Division at (508) 991-6191.

This announcement pertains to the following cemeteries operated by the City of New Bedford:

1. Rural Cemetery — 149 Dartmouth Street
2. Oak Grove Cemetery — 185 Parker Street
3. Pine Grove Cemetery — 1100 Ashley Blvd
4. Peckham West Cemetery — Mt. Pleasant Street

For additional information, please contact Sylvia Gomez at 508-991-6191 or Michele Silva at 508-991-6150.

The City of New Bedford Veteran’s Advisory Board and the Fort Rodman – Fort Taber Historical Association will honor the 749 United States sailors and soldiers who lost their lives during the devastating April 28, 1944 attack on the United States military training operation, Exercise Tiger.  Exercise Tiger was a D-Day dry run which was ambushed by a German E-boat flotilla and resulted in America’s costliest incident of World War II, second only to Pearl Harbor.  The surprise attack sank two American vessels and severely damaged a third.

A memorial ceremony is planned to honor the service members who perished in this incident:

Saturday April 28^rd, 2012 | Fort Rodman – Fort Taber Military Museum | 1:00 PM

1000 Rodney French Blvd. | New Bedford, Massachusetts

Keynote Speaker | Mayor of New Bedford | Jonathan F. Mitchell

Northeast Navy Band | Rhode Island Guards of Thunder Artillery Group

All veterans are asked to proudly display their service insignia.

Event Contact | Peter Clark | Veterans’ Advisory Board| peterwclark@hotmail.com

Event Contact | Bob Bromley | Veterans’ Advisory Board | rbromley@rilin.state.ri.us